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GEOMETRIC TORTOISE This tortoise actually tells a very sad story, for it is possibly the world's most rare reptile. Even the hard shell cannot protect it. It is known as the geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) and is on the edge of extinction. Their natural habitat is "renosterveld", an Afrikaans word meaning, literally, "rhinoceros bush-country". The effects of farming and urban development have denuded this natural habitat, with the consequence that the geometric tortoise is perilously close to extinction. There are a few nature reserves in South Africa which have been declared "out of bounds for humans", and this is where approximately 2000 geometric tortoises are given sanctuary. They may be the only ones left. The geometric tortoise has many natural predators such as jackals, mongooses and birds of prey.

It lays eggs under a shallow layer of earth and these eggs are also loved by many other animals. Baby tortoises, whose shells have not yet fully hardened, are a tasty snack for predators such as the secretary bird. To add to the problem, the tortoise's beautiful markings have led to it being collected as a "curio". Please - if you have the good fortune to visit my country - do not buy wildlife products, such as tortoise shells. Ask yourself if you REALLY must have a tortoise shell sitting upon your mantlepiece. It is consumers who will determine whether the trade in products made from endangered species will continue. As long as there is a market, someone, somewhere will find a way to supply it. It's up to you and me.